Real strength lies in farmers, youth: Punjab Congress chief on assuming charge

Chandigarh: Newly appointed Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Pargat Singh on Sunday assumed office here, pledging to fight for the rights, dignity and better future of the people of state.

Despite rainfall, Congress leaders and workers turned up in large numbers, maintaining the enthusiasm at the event.

Congress leaders described the gathering as a reflection of organisational unity and the commitment of workers to the political challenges ahead.

State Congress In-charge Sachin Pilot formally handed over the responsibility of the state party presidency to Pargat Singh.

Before the ceremony, Pargat Singh paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the State Congress Chief said the real strength of the state lay in its ordinary citizens: farmers who feed the country, young people struggling to secure their future, traders and business owners who contribute to the state's economy, and families aspiring to a safe, dignified and better life.

He added that the Congress had a responsibility not merely to contest elections but also to become the voice of the people and stand firmly for their rights.

"The people of Punjab are waiting for their rights, justice and a secure future. It is our responsibility to meet the expectations of every section, from farmers to young people. The Congress is united, and our struggle is against a system that has failed to secure people's rightful entitlements," he said.

He added that it was essential to understand the sentiments of people awaiting justice in sacrilege cases and to raise their voice in support of justice.

The true test of any government, he added, was the public's trust and the positive change it brought to people's lives.

Taking aim at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Pargat Singh said the Punjab government should focus on the problems facing people instead of worrying about the Congress team.

He added that the Congress had a strong team of experienced leaders and dedicated workers.

Referring to the experience of Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Pargat Singh said the party would work collectively to safeguard Punjab's interests.

Addressing AAP MLAs, the State Congress President appealed to them to rise above political pressure and stand up for Punjab's interests.

He said there was still time for legislators to become the voice of the people and give priority to the interests of the state.

Congress General Secretary Sachin Pilot congratulated Pargat Singh on his new responsibility and said he had the opportunity to work with an experienced and strong team.

Drawing an analogy from sports, Pilot said a strong team was essential for a good captain.

Pargat Singh had a team of experienced Punjab Congress leaders and dedicated workers who could work together to take the party forward.

He said the Congress' objective was not merely to achieve political success but also to win the hearts of Punjab's people and live up to their expectations.

Emphasising the role of young people, Pilot added that the future belonged to the youth.

The Congress would move forward with young people and take Rahul Gandhi's message from villages to cities to mobilise public support for forming a Congress government in Punjab.

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